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The Hard Money Loan Process in California

Because it skips income verification, the hard money process is fast and property-focused — eight clean steps from analyzing the deal to funding in 5–14 days, drawing rehab funds, and executing your exit. Here's exactly how it runs.

8 steps5–14 daysDraw scheduleNo income docs
MBReviewed by Mike Basti, Mortgage Broker & Founder · NMLS #377740
Quick Answer

The process: 1) analyze the deal → 2) apply → 3) valuation (appraisal/BPO) → 4) term sheet → 5) close & fund (5–14 days) → 6) renovation draws → 7) interest-only payments → 8) exit (sell or refinance). See Requirements for what each step needs.

The 8 steps to funding

  1. Analyze the deal

    Confirm as-is value, ARV, rehab budget, and the 70% rule before you commit. Run the calculator →

  2. Apply & submit the package

    Purchase contract, scope of work, proof of funds, resume, entity docs. No tax returns.

  3. Get the valuation

    Lender orders an appraisal or BPO confirming as-is value and ARV.

  4. Review the term sheet

    Loan amount, LTV/LTC, rate, points, term, draw schedule — shopped across lenders for best cost. How terms price →

  5. Close & fund

    Sign through escrow/title and fund — often 5–14 days, sometimes faster.

  6. Draw renovation funds

    Rehab money releases in draws as work is completed and inspected.

  7. Make interest-only payments

    Pay interest monthly while you hold; principal waits for the exit.

  8. Execute your exit

    Sell the finished property or refinance into a DSCR loan for a rental hold.

Expert tip: The two steps investors underestimate are the valuation and the draw schedule — and both reward preparation. A tight, itemized scope of work makes the appraiser's ARV easier to support and sets up clean, fast draws once you're renovating. Sloppy scope, by contrast, drags the valuation and slows every draw. Get the rehab budget right on paper before step one, and the rest of the process moves at the speed hard money promises. We'll help you package the deal so nothing stalls. Package my deal →

What's needed at each stage

StageWhat you provide / expect
AnalysisComps, ARV estimate, rehab budget, 70% rule check
ApplicationPurchase contract, scope of work, proof of funds, resume, entity docs
ValuationAppraisal or BPO (as-is + ARV)
Term sheetLoan amount, LTV/LTC, rate, points, term, draws
ClosingSigned docs, escrow/title, wired cash to close
RenovationDraw requests + inspections as work completes
ExitSale escrow or refinance application (e.g. DSCR)

Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey.

Ready to move? The clock starts when your deal is packaged.

Send us the property and rehab plan and we'll analyze the deal, order the valuation, shop the term sheet across lenders, and drive to funding — often in 5–14 days — then set up clean draws and the exit. Free, no obligation.